Real Results

Performance By The Numbers

Zero NPT Performance Across 11 HPHT Wells

End-to-End MPD Execution in the North Sea Delivers 8,398 Hours of Uninterrupted Reliability

Objectives

  • Drill narrow-margin sections using a statically underbalanced mud weight (MW) combined with surface backpressure (SBP) to maintain the required overbalance.
  • Manage the drilling window and establish the appropriate tripping mud weight prior to pulling out of hole (POOH).
  • Displace the well to tripping mud, then re-displace to an underbalanced mud weight and circulate out any influx gas before proceeding with managed pressure cementing (MPC).
  • Perform extended flow checks and POOH on elevators while maintaining an adequate swab margin under managed pressure drilling (MPD) control.
  • Run and cement casings and liners using MPC techniques to ensure well integrity and zonal isolation.

Our Approach

  • Executed detailed pre-well planning and risk assessments to anticipate operational challenges, reduce uncertainty, and align execution across the 11-well campaign.
  • Applied constant bottomhole pressure (CBHP) MPD with SafeShield® Model 7875 RCD and Victus™ intelligent MPD control system (electric chokes), supported by junk catcher, SPMS, mud gas separator, and full MPD well services.
  • Conducted dynamic pore pressure tests (DPPT) and dynamic formation integrity tests (DFIT) during drilling to define and validate the operational drilling window.
  • Used MPD practices to actively manage the drilling window: performed dummy connections, circulated out gas after tripping back in hole, and mitigated temperature-related pressure effects to maintain wellbore stability.
  • Implemented proactive maintenance and robust equipment-management routines to prevent bearing failures and minimize unplanned downtime.
  • Strengthened cross-functional collaboration among drilling engineers, rig crews, and maintenance teams to sustain operational continuity and speed issue resolution.
  • Performed between-well lessons learned and continuous-improvement reviews to drive consistent performance gains and repeatable delivery.
  • Completed controlled testing on a training rig prior to campaign start to qualify bearing operation outside standard specifications for drill-in-liner (DIL) applications.

Value to Customer

  • Delivered strong performance: 7 of 11 wells completed with zero nonproductive time (NPT), protecting schedule and budget.
  • Achieved exceptional bearing reliability: zero bearing failures over 8,398 operating hours. Only two early sealing-element leaks across 91 bearing runs and 122 sealing elements, enabling >1.36 million ft (414,528 m) drilled/stripped through the system.
  • Enabled full-spectrum MPD execution across the campaign, including high-pressure MPD connections (>1,000 psi), DFITs, DPPTs, MPD displacements, stripped-out-of-hole operations, injectivity tests, and MPC for casing and liner strings.
  • Improved tripping efficiency: drillpipe stripped out of hole at 1.5x the speed of comparable operations while maintaining required swab margins, saving approximately $100,000 USD per trip.
  • Reduced rig time and cost through preparation: 61 bearings were pre-stabbed and mobilized with crossovers installed, saving a minimum of 2 rig hours per bearing and an estimated $2 million USD in campaign cost.
  • Executed 13 MPC jobs with consistent delivery, demonstrating repeatable capability for both casing and liner cementing operations.
  • Lowered logistics and rig-up time: permanently installed MPD manifold and control system and reduced equipment loadout and online rig-up, converting recurring mobilization charges into a one-time installation cost.
  • Expanded operational envelope: successfully performed drill-in-liner operations with bearings operating at 1,750 psi (12.0 MPa) and 100 rpm on all DIL applications.
  • Established a proven benchmark for future MPD work through dedicated personnel, proactive maintenance, and robust risk-management processes.

Learn More

Managed Pressure Drilling
 
Print Version
Details

Location

North Sea, United Kingdom

Well Type

Exploratory

Formation

Upper Fulmar

Well Profile

Directional

Rig Type

Jackup

Products/Services

Managing pressure better within a safe operating window

Contact Weatherford

Take the next step in realizing the field of the future. Submit your details and one of our optimization experts will be in touch.